I just saw that Chicago is requesting that people do not go on long walks or bike rides.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is warning residents not to go on long runs or bike rides in the cityís latest effort to crack down over the spread of coronavirus, even cautioning that residents could be arrested should they break the rules.

I feel lucky to be in a mid sized city (Des Moines). I've been walking regularly but I have no problem staying 6 ft away from anyone. I have not been bike riding though. I figure the odds of an accident are slim but I do not want to add to the problems that local hospitals will soon have.

Today the "amenities" (parking, play areas, sports, shelters, off-leash dog areas) in Toronto parks are closed but the trails are still open. I did I great ride that included part of the Don Valley trails this morning, and I hope that will continue. Not many other people around. Closure of parking will be a problem for more distant parks that we normally drive to, but it will make the parks less busy so spacing will be easier.

The lakefront was as busy and congested as mid-summer over the weekend. People were congregating on the path, playing basketball, hanging out at the beach, etc. I live in the suburbs, but guys I know who live in the city and normally cycle along the lakefront trail this time of year couldn't because it was so crowded. My college kids are home and they told me a lot of their friends went to the lakefront to hang out, which is not really consistent with the intent of the stay-at-home order, so I can see why the city wants to close the parks and paths.

Was in town to get gas earlier and this is a small town. I notice the young people are not taking this seriously at all. The older ones 40s-50s are shopping for older parents or relatives seem to be doing the right things as far as wiping down the shopping carts stuff like that. I don’t want to get infected by a booger nosed teen or young adult.

Quote:

Outdoor recreation

Can I still exercise? Take my kids to the park for fresh air? Take a walk around the block?

Yes. So long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air. Gyms are closed.

Can I walk my dog? Take my pet to the vet?

You can walk your dog. You can go to the vet or pet hospital if your pet is sick. Remember to distance yourself at least six feet from other pets and owners.

Can people still go hiking or visit State Parks?

Californians can walk, run, hike and bike in their local neighborhoods as long as they continue to practice social distancing of 6 feet. This means avoiding crowded trails & parking lots. To help reduce crowds, State Parks is modifying operations at some parks, including closing vehicular access and parking lots to reduce density of visitors. A list of closures can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/flattenthecurve. Everyone has the responsibility to “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” by maintaining a social distance of 6 feet or more when recreating in the outdoors, and staying home if they are sick. If visitors cannot maintain social distancing, they need to leave the park.

Especially after Pritzker announced we had already made a big impact, it seems like maybe half of people here are taking any of this seriously at all. I don't blame Lightfoot at all, Pritzker's shelter-in-place order was a half measure. The majority of people still seem to be working, since almost everything falls under the very broad "essential" categories. The commute has been a bit better, but barely. We had to lock the break room at work because laborers were still sharing meals, 12+ people elbow to elbow in a <100 square-foot room. I swear half of them are ignoring this whole thing because taking precautions is a threat to their delicate masculinity.

I stopped at the local bait shop for our 2020 fishing license. She told me that Pritzer ordered all Ill. State fishing areas closed . That knocks out a lot of easy flat trails for exercise. Look like I will be traveling to Iowa for fishing this year. Most of the outdoors minded folks I know have already moved out of Illinois

I stopped at the local bait shop for our 2020 fishing license. She told me that Pritzer ordered all Ill. State fishing areas closed . That knocks out a lot of easy flat trails for exercise. Look like I will be traveling to Iowa for fishing this year. Most of the outdoors minded folks I know have already moved out of Illinois

Missouri has taken the opposite approach and is allowing all fishing without a license or trout stamp through April 15th. Even non-residence don't need a license or stamp.

I stopped at the local bait shop for our 2020 fishing license. She told me that Pritzer ordered all Ill. State fishing areas closed . That knocks out a lot of easy flat trails for exercise. Look like I will be traveling to Iowa for fishing this year. Most of the outdoors minded folks I know have already moved out of Illinois

I consider biking one of the safest things to do since you don't ever come in close contact with anyone. Quite the opposite. My wife won't go near me after a ride. And who do you come close to during a ride, especially a solo ride? I'd avoid a mass start event, if any were happening but they all have been cancelled.